3.5 Stars

Thanks to HarperAudio Children's and NetGalley for an advanced copy!

This was a fun read! All the blurbs saying this book a mix of The Cruel Prince and The Selection is the perfect way to describe it. I thought the magic/bargain aspect of the plot was very interesting and unique. I liked that there was some historical aspects to the setting as well. I really liked the beginning and the unexpected ending, but the middle got a little muddled. There were a few POVs that seemed out of the blue and pointless, and it had some insta-love. Overall, a fun read! And I'm excited for the next installment.

Teens who like fantasy will gobble this up. The story is exciting and richly complex. Characters are drawn with thick lines but avoid becoming flat. It's full of tropes teens love but manages to not become predictable

4.25

If you’re craving a YA fantasy romance that feels fresh and immersive, The Rose Bargain is a standout. The prose is lush, the world-building is intricate, and the story masterfully blends intrigue, magic, and just the right amount of emotional drama. It’s one of those books that grips you and refuses to let go until the last page.

Picture this: The Selection meets Regency-era elegance, but with fae magic woven into the very fabric of society. It’s a tantalizing combination. The premise revolves around bargains with the fae queen—an everyday occurrence in this world, but every deal comes with a hidden cost. Some of these sacrifices seem insignificant at first glance, but I suspect they’re much more insidious than they appear. I’m eager to see how the sequel unpacks these darker layers.

While the plot centers on Ivy, our determined and sharp-witted protagonist, the story also gives us glimpses into the lives of other competitors and even one of the princes. This multi-POV approach was a delightful surprise. It added texture to the narrative and gave each character their own moment to shine. I particularly loved that instead of the cliché cattiness we often see in stories about girls vying for a prince, these young women form genuine, heartfelt friendships. Watching them collaborate and lift each other up was both unexpected and deeply satisfying.

The romance, however, left me somewhat conflicted. It’s not quite love-at-first-sight, but it flirts dangerously close. There’s a classic love triangle in play, and while I had a clear favorite, I couldn’t help but feel the relationships progressed too hastily. I wanted more tension, more lingering moments, more build-up. As it stands, the emotional depth of the romance didn’t quite match the richness of the rest of the story. Here’s hoping the sequel gives the romance a chance to truly blossom.

And then there’s the ending—what a curveball! The unexpected twist completely recontextualized parts of the story and sets the stage for what promises to be a darker, higher-stakes sequel. My prediction? We’re in for a redemption arc, and I wouldn’t be surprised if a character we thought was gone makes a shocking return.

All in all, The Rose Bargain is a compelling read that excels in crafting a magical, high-society world brimming with secrets and intrigue. The strong female camaraderie and clever twists set it apart, even if the romance isn’t as refined as the rest. With only one more book to go, I can’t wait to see where this spellbinding duology takes us next.

DNF at 18%

Unfortunately, this is not intriguing me like I thought it would. I do really enjoy historical fantasy romances, but I'm not a big fan of the contest trope and some of other romance tropes this seems to be leaning into. So far, the narration is very good though.

This was amazing from start to finish, and I cannot wait to see what the next book brings! The author does a wonderful job world building, creating a duality of earth and the Otherworld of the Fae. Although this is a common plot line, Smith brings a refreshed perspective. The characters are all entertaining, and you get to know them well throughout their development. The tension and romance are well done, and readers will find themselves rooting for relationships throughout. The narrators did a wonderful job, and I felt as if they directly reflected the characters they were presenting. If you are a fan of fantasy and romance, this is a must read/listen!

Wow, this audiobook really hooked me from the very first chapter! It was whimsical, atmospheric, and absolutely captivating and I can’t wait for the next book!